Christmas Island 2020 Year of the Rat

• Issue Date: 8 January 2020
• Designed by: Yan Lin
• Printed by: RA Printing
• Print Process: Offset lithography
• Perforations: 14.28 x 14.28
• Dimensions: 35 mm x 35 mm
• Format: sheets of 50 (two panes of 25)
• Withdrawal date: 31 December 2020

Description

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2020 is the Year of the Rat. The first sign in the Chinese zodiac, the clever and quick-witted Rat is considered a symbol of good luck and wealth. The striking illustrations for the Year of the Rat stamp issue are by Yan Lin, a visual designer based in Sydney. The three stamps in this issue present the Rat as characters from traditional Peking Opera, which has its origins in the mid-Qing dynasty (1636–1912). The characters perform spectacular vocals, mime, dance and acrobatics in beautiful, ornate costumes. The stamps present the principal male role (sheng), the comedy role (chou) and the female role (dan). Performances often take place during Chinese New Year.

Stamps

Sheet Stamps

Single Stamps

1$10

2$50

3$30

Gutter Strip

Gutter strip of 10 x 1$10 plus 5 labels

Self-Adhesive Stamps

Single Stamp

2$50

Booklet

Booklet pane of 5 x 2$50

Miniature Sheets

Miniature sheet of 3 values

Gold Miniature sheet of 6 values

Zodiac miniature sheet of 15 values

First Day Covers

The first day of issue postmark was Christmas Island WA 6798.

First day cover of 3 values	First day cover of miniature sheet
First day cover of 8 values	First day cover of 4 values

Postal Numismatic Cover

Postal numismatic cover of 2 values

Postal Medallion Cover

First day cover of 1$10 with medallion

Postal Stationery

Envelopes

(1$10) Postpaid envelope

(2$50) Postpaid envelope

Postal Card

Postpaid postal card

Prestige Booklet

Prestige booklet front cover

Prestige booklet back cover

Presentation Packs

Calendar presentation pack front cover

Calendar presentation pack of miniature sheet